I’ve had a ton of level up in the past 12 months. Successful career change, volunteering a lot, & a month ago I got a new-to-me car.

The new-to-me car is very special for many reasons. You see…for the first time ever, it’s a top trim with every single bell-and-whistle, yet I paid little since it was used and got a lot of $ for my trade. It’s legit pure luxury to drive. It was well-deserved and earned with my career success after 15 years of underemployment and low pay yet I took a financially smart route while I shopped and only looked at cars where my trade would cover at least 50% of the other car’s price.

One of my tests when dating is to see how men react to my car…and for me to see THEIR cars and driving habits.

Red flags:

If a man’s car needs a detail job and has tons of his crap/trash inside, it’s a nope from me. Take care of your shit.

If he has a really nice new car but is living with 3 roommates or in mom’s basement in his 30’s or doesn’t have furniture in his own place, it’s a nope from me (kinda like that Still Fly song by Big Tymerz lol). His priorities aren’t straight. Next.

If he tries to minimize the car I got when he sees it by comparing it to a Bentley, Rolls Royce, Alfa Romeo, etc…nope, he’s trying to neg.

If he gets jealous of the features it has. Or wants to borrow it constantly to make himself look good. No.

Drives reckless or drunk. Obvious no.

Doesn’t do gentlemanly car-related things (see below)

Green flags:

He has a car that he keeps maintained and clean, that is within his means financially, while also living solo in a furnished, clean apartment or house. His car doesn’t necessarily have to be a top trim. (Exception: caring for elderly parents and living with them but still independently successful - I am willing to decide this case-by-case because I know this will be me, just a matter of when)

Starts his or my car before we leave to go anywhere so that it’s warm/cooled for me by the time we get in

Is a safe driver in general but even more so if I’m with him or he’s driving mine

Offers to drop me off at the entrance of a building while he parks, if it’s raining or cold

Opens the car door for me 100% of the time, either his or mine. Helps me in and out of it.

He offers to wash or detail my car or research any issues it has. Volunteers to take it in for me if my schedule is super packed whether it’s just an oil change or a major repair.

If he does have to borrow it, he brings it back with a full tank of gas and a car wash as a thank you.

He is genuinely happy for me about my car in general. Understands what my car symbolizes after 15 years of not moving up in the world.

Cars are super important!! Don’t minimize what they can reveal! 💯